"I'm not going to lie, I want to be in the Premier League" - Ross Smith defiant after stunning performance in Grand Prix opener

Ross Smith sent out a statement with his victory in the opening round of the 2024 World Grand Prix in Leicester. Posting an average of 101.79, the 9th highest in the tournament's history, 'Smudger' dispatched Gian van Veen 2-0 on Monday night. 

As mentioned, the former European Championship winner managed to record an average of 101.79. In addition, Smith also had a finishing percentage of 54.5 percent. In the second round of the World Grand Prix, Smith will take on Jonny Clayton on Wednesday night. The Welshman, winner of this event in 2021, managed to win 2-0 in sets over Ritchie Edhouse in his first round match.

"If I'm honest, I've turned up here and I've not put any pressure on myself. I've just sort of relaxed and enjoyed it so yeah, hopefully, if I carry on playing like this I can go deep into the tournament," Smith assessed optimistically in his post-match press conference.

Clearly enjoying his darts at the minute, Smith also had a message for his more negative rivals. “Look, if you can’t enjoy getting up there in front of 5,000, 10,000 people, whatever it is and playing in front of millions of people on TV and earning the money we earn through playing darts..." Smith says. “I’ve driven a lorry, worked 10-12 hours a day minimum for 5-6 days a week and I’m telling you now it’s an absolute privilege to play this game. To where it’s got to now, I pinch myself. I count myself very lucky that I’m playing darts for a living, so if anyone’s moaning about it then just give up because I’ll happily take your place.”

Taking the place off someone in the Premier League is also a goal for Smith. Given his form over the last couple of years and his renown for big scoring, it's not an ambition that seems too far off either. "I'm not going to lie, I want to be in the Premier League," he announces defiantly. "It's something that I've always wanted to do and since I was a little kid, watching it, so I'm not going to beat about the bush. I've said it previously, but I know to do that I'm going to have to do something special. I won a major and I wasn't even in it. But I know I've got it down to consistency as well."